Promoting Yourself Online: Boost Your Gig Bookings

Why Online Promotion is Essential

(2:23) Take a moment and think about it – where do you go when you need information? Google? Social media? A blog you trust?

Now think of all those event organizers out there. Where do you think they go when they need to find a speaker? That’s right; the online world is their oyster too!

Having a strong online presence isn’t just about having a shiny website or being active on social media, though both are important. It’s about visibility and credibility. It’s your 24/7 salesperson, working tirelessly to attract event planners to your world, showcasing your speaking skills, your authority, and your unique value proposition.

With the right online promotion strategy, you can reach more people, create stronger relationships, and, yes, boost your gig bookings.

Ignoring or undervaluing its importance could mean missed opportunities and potential gigs slipping right through your fingers.

So, let’s ensure that doesn’t happen. Let me walk you through some key strategies to help you take your online promotion to the next level.

Harness the Power of Social Media

(4:14) The magic of social media lies in its ability to connect, engage, and influence. As a speaker, you can leverage these platforms to reach out to potential clients, showcase your expertise, and get more eyes on your work.

Let’s delve into some actionable tips you can implement today to drive up those bookings:

(4:52) Facebook: Not Just for Friends

Facebook is more than just a place to share personal photos or posts; it’s a potent tool to boost your visibility as a speaker.

Think of your Facebook Page as a communication channel where you can interact with your audience, share your thoughts, and broadcast your upcoming gigs. Engaging features like ‘Events’ and polls can help keep your audience involved and updated on your speaking journey.

Better still, joining Facebook Groups related to speaking provides a community experience, enabling learning and networking opportunities with like-minded people.

(5:45) LinkedIn: The Professional’s Playground

LinkedIn is more than just an online resume; it’s a platform where you can flaunt your speaking skills and engage with professionals from various industries. Sharing clips from your gigs, publishing thought-provoking posts, and joining relevant discussions amplifies your visibility and builds your credibility.

It’s all about actively engaging – a simple like, share, or comment can spark conversations, leading to meaningful connections.

(6:37) Instagram: Show Your Personality

Instagram can add a personal touch to your professional persona. This platform allow you to give your audience a sneak peek into your life as a speaker – the behind-the-scenes moments, the inspirations, the hard work, and the triumphs.

Remember, the power of hashtags cannot be underestimated. They can broaden your reach and connect you with a relevant audience. Engage directly with your followers, reply to their comments, and reshare their content – this will not only build your community but also enhance your visibility.

YouTube: Your Speaking Portfolio

(7:22) YouTube serves as a dynamic platform to exhibit your speaking prowess. Posting videos of your gigs is like opening a window into your style and energy as a speaker. It allows event organizers and potential clients to witness your charisma firsthand.

But don’t stop there. Engage with your subscribers by replying to comments and taking their feedback. Optimize your video descriptions and tags – this can increase your content’s visibility, connecting you with more potential clients.

Start Blogging and Podcasting to Share Your Expertise

(8:13) OK, let’s switch gears a little bit now and talk about a couple of fun ways to sprinkle your wisdom all over the internet: blogging and podcasting. Trust me when I say this – they’re not as scary as they sound!

Running your blog can be a powerful tool in your online promotion arsenal. Imagine creating a home for your thoughts, ideas, experiences, all wrapped up in that unique personality of yours. This isn’t just about ticking a box named “content”; it’s about giving value, building authority, and showcasing your expertise.

Getting your blog up and running can be a bit of work initially, but here’s the fun part – the more you blog, the easier it gets. And better still, the more you share, the more your audience gets to know you, trust you, and, you guessed it, book you!

But hey, I get it. Not everyone loves to write. So, what about taking your thoughts to the airwaves? Podcasting is like having your radio show. It’s a fantastic way to share your insights, interview other industry leaders, and reach your audience in a more personal, conversational way.

Just think about it. Your audience can listen to your podcast while they’re cooking, commuting, or even working out. It’s like having an intimate one-way conversation with you right in their ears, building a bond that’s both personal and professional.

So, whether you’re more of a wordsmith or a chatterbox, there’s a platform that’s just right for you to share your expertise and boost those gig bookings! Just remember, consistency is key. Keep it regular, keep it real, and the bookings will follow.

Use Email Marketing as a Direct Line to Your Audience

(12:16) Alright, let’s talk about an oldie but goodie: email marketing. Now, I know it might not sound as glamorous as social media, blogging, or podcasting, but don’t let that fool you. Email marketing can be a goldmine!

By building an email list, you’re essentially creating a VIP club, a community of people who have said, “Yes, I want to hear more from you!” This isn’t just a list of names and email addresses; it’s a direct line to your audience, event organizers, and people who can make those gig bookings happen!

The secret sauce here is to stay on their radar without bombarding them. A regular newsletter, filled with valuable content, speaking updates, and maybe a sprinkle of your personal journey, can do just that.

You’re not just pitching yourself relentlessly; you’re giving them something of VALUE, something that helps them, entertains them, or maybe even inspires them. Do it right, and they’ll be counting the days till your next email!

In a nutshell: don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted email. It’s more personal, more direct, and has the potential to give your gig bookings a serious boost!